New Innovate Essex Fund opens opportunities for Essex businesses

Businesses across Essex can now access new support through the Innovate Essex Fund.

The fund is for Essex-based start-ups, SMEs and social enterprises that want to develop new ideas, products or services. It offers three routes: Explore, Develop and Scale. As a result, businesses can find support that suits the stage their idea has reached.

The Explore route offers funding of up to £5,000. Develop offers between £5,000 and £15,000. Meanwhile, the Scale route provides up to £15,000 worth of support.

Helping Essex businesses develop new ideas

Innovation does not have to mean starting from scratch. For example, a business may want to test an idea, improve a product or service, or find a new way to grow.

However, turning a good idea into something that works can be difficult. Businesses may need funding, advice or access to people with the right skills. The Innovate Essex Fund is designed to help businesses take that next step.

The fund also brings in support from the University of Essex. Through the Scale route, businesses can access university knowledge, research support and specialist facilities. This can help businesses develop and test their ideas.

Whether you have an early idea to explore or plans to grow an existing project, the fund could help you move forward.

Find out more about the Innovate Essex Fund, eligibility and how to apply.